Gov. McAuliffe urges Thomas Nelson Community College graduates to think big, take chances

HAMPTON — At 7:48 p.m. Gov. Terry McAuliffe pledged to the crowd of graduates of Thomas Nelson Community College he'd be before them just 9 minutes.

"I know it takes a lot to sit through one of these commencement addresses," McAuliffe said Thursday night. "The last thing you need is a long boring speech from a politician." The crowd at the Hampton Coliseum erupted in applause.

McAuliffe urged graduates to take the same advice he said he gives his children and cabinet every Monday. "Think big, take chances and please, please don't ever be afraid to fail," he told the group of more than 700 graduates.

The governor said he had started 30 different businesses during his lifetime, some that were successful, others that were not. He told graduates he took a risk by leaving Georgetown University's law school early to work on Jimmy Carter's re-election campaign in 1980.

"Don't get yourself committed to one area. When those opportunities come along, you want to grab them," McAuliffe said. Ultimately, Carter lost resoundingly in the presidential election. But, McAuliffe noted, he met his wife while working on the campaign. He later returned to Georgetown and finished law school. He also played a key role in electing President Bill Clinton in the 90s. McAuliffe also served as chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

"You need to take chances. You are going to fail, and that's OK. The key is what you do the next day," McAuliffe said. "I ran for governor in 2009 with a lot of big ideas … and you didn't vote for me," he said, to laughter from the audience.

This past November he was elected the 72nd governor of the Commonwealth, in his second bid for the office. McAuliffe said expansion of the community college system is a key priority for his administration.

In closing, he urged graduates to remain optimistic even when they are met with adversity.

"Stay positive. There is no such thing as a bad day. Every day you get out of bed has the potential to be a great one," McAuliffe said. "Never take yourself too seriously, be nice to everyone, roll with the punches and be flexible. Do what you love to do. Always have fun. There is no greater gift than being young and having your whole life in front of you," he said, before wishing graduates continued success.